Mizoram vs Punjab, SMAT 2024, Today Match Prediction 29 November 2024

MIZ vs PCA Match Prediction & Analysis

This Friday, Mizoram and Punjab will face off in the 64th match of the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The Group A encounter is set to take place at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. Mizoram have had a tough start to the tournament, losing all three of their matches so far. Punjab, the defending champions, have had a mixed bag, winning one and losing two of their matches to sit sixth in the points table. Given the gulf between the two teams, however, Punjab are expected to come out on top in their first-ever meeting.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Mizoram Preview

Mizoram have had a rocky start to the tournament losing all three of their games. They are coming off an 8-wicket loss to Bengal in Rajkot where they could post a below-par 157-8 and the opposition chased the target down with 4.3 overs to spare.

Mohit Jangra has been a lone shining light for Mizoram, racking up an impressive 171 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 144.91. He's yet to be dismissed in the tournament, and his unbeaten 80 off 49 balls against Bengal was a rare highlight in an otherwise dismal performance.

Agni Chopra has also been impressive, scoring 70 runs in 3 innings at a strike rate of 108. 

Khiangte Vanrotlinga has been the standout performer of the bowling attack, taking 6 wickets in 3 innings at an economy of 10.25. Mohit Jangra has done well with the ball as well with 4 wickets to his name already.

Mizoram Predicted Playing XI:

Jehu Anderson (wk), Agni Chopra, F Vanlalmuanzuala, Mohit Jangra, KC Cariappa (c), Lalhriatrenga, Khiangte Vanrotlinga, Parvez Ahmed, Lalhruai Ralte, Joseph Lalthankhuma, Lal Rin Fela

Punjab Preview

Punjab have had a mixed bag of a season. They have lost two games and ed one win. Their latest one was a close 9-run against Madhya Pradesh where they fell short in pursuit of a 189-run target.

Skipper Abhishek Sharma showed his class with a top score of 61 off 36 balls. Abhishek was the team’s highest run-getter last season and is the man in form. Expect some more fluent knocks from him in the next few matches.

Prabhsimran Singh has shown flashes of brilliance, but a big score has eluded him so far. Still, he's always a threat to get Punjab off to a flying start. Another player to watch is Anmolpreet Singh, who was in scintillating form last year, scoring 355 runs at a blistering strike rate of 180. Lower down the order, Nehal Wadhera and Ramandeep Singh are capable of delivering some lusty blows.

Punjab's bowling attack is just as formidable, with a slew of wicket-takers at their disposal. Arshdeep Singh, Harpreet Brar, and Baltej Singh are all potent options. They're complemented by Abhishek's effective spin bowling in the powerplay overs, who has a happy knack of picking up wickets.

Punjab Predicted Playing XI:

Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Abhishek Sharma (c), Anmolpreet Singh, Naman Dhir, Nehal Wadhera, Ramandeep Singh , Sanvir Singh, Mayank Markande, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Baltej Singh

Weather Conditions

The Rajkot pitch is known for being a good batting surface, and we can expect a high-scoring encounter here. While spinners might come into play during the middle overs, the batters will likely dominate the proceedings. 

The weather forecast looks good, with a warm and hazy day ahead and no chance of rain, so we should get a full game in.

MIZ vs PCA Pitch Report

Runs have been plentiful at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, with an average first innings score of 169. The standout performance so far has been Hyderabad's 248-4 against Meghalaya, a match they won by a massive 179-run margin. With that kind of scoring potential, the team that bats first will probably be looking to set a target of 190-200 runs.

Toss: To Bat

The game gets underway at 11 AM, and if past trends are any indication, the team that bats first might have an edge. Two of the three 11 AM matches played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in this tournament have been won by the side that batted first, so expect both captains to want to get in first.